Viera Wetlands….

For a number of years, Viera Wetlands was a marvelous site for folks to drive around impoundments in order to see Florida wildlife up close and natural. Viera Wetlands, located in Brevard County, Florida, is a vast natural area that serves as a critical habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including various bird species and other aquatic life. Spanning over 400 acres, the wetlands feature a network of ponds and marshes, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching and outdoor recreation. Visitors can often observe herons, egrets, and other migratory birds as they navigate the lush surroundings. On the downside, the preserve used to be open to vehicular traffic and navigating the expansive wetland property was possible for people of all abilities and ages. For whatever reasons, the site has been off limits to cars for a number of years now, meaning that folks with infirmities which prevent them from walking long distances are now denied access to the park. For those who can walk, the wetlands are a wonderful place to explore, study birds, photograph, and simple enjoy nature. Even for those who are physically able, however, the park is large enough to discourage all but the most fit from exploring the back reaches of the facility. It seems that every year, the number of places that we used to visit and bird frequently are no longer available to us. Sad.

So, in spite of the fact that there were several folks in our group who would have liked to have joined us but were not physically able, eight members of Southeast Audubon ventured out to walk around the wetlands this morning and take a look at what the onset of spring had to offer. We had several targets among which were the Least bittern and the Crested caracara. Both birds are tough to find, but at least the bittern is a bird which is often heard if not seen. Such was the case today as we heard one early on and then later heard a second. Their call is quite distinctive normally, but the first vocalization was a little different than we are used to. With the help of a little technology, however, we were able to confirm our bird as the Least bittern.

Another bird which is not always seen on our trips is the Black-crowned night-heron. We did not have to rely on audio clues to pick out his bird. One of our members spotted him perched back on a tree limb on an island several hundred yards across the pond from the dike along which we were walking. What was less than an ideal sighting soon became a lot more definitive and enjoyable as the night-heron took flight. It flew over and around the island giving us all wonderful looks at this great bird allowing for nice photo-ops as well.

Nikon Z8 with Z100-400mm at 400mm…1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 500

There were quite a few nests on that same island and we spent a considerable amount of time scanning the entire length, breadth and height to see how many nesting birds were could find. Anhingas, Snowy egrets, Roseate spoonbills and Great egrets were all busy either building nests or sitting on the nest. None were as far along as these Great blue herons, however. Although these chicks seem to be well developed, it takes two months for the young to be capable of flight, and even then they will remain at the nest for up to three months total. They are fed by both parents by regurgitation and both mom and dad visited the nest while we were watching. Also fun to hear their constant clucking chatter as they beg the parents to hurry up with that order!

Of all the birds we were hoping to see, the Crested caracara is by far the most elusive, and we generally hope but don’t necessarily expect to see this bird on our outings. The caracara used to be much more reliable as far as sightings in the Viera area, but habitat loss due to extensive development has made the chance of seeing this bird less and less each year. Still, nature persists and we did get our lone view late in the morning of our trip. Our trip leader Don was the first to spot our quarry and called out “Caracara caracara caracara” so many times that no-one had any doubt as to what he had seen! The bird made a steady long flight over the fields at the end of the road down Moccasin Tract to River Lakes Preserve where we were ending our day. Guess he just wanted to save the best for last for us.

Our last bird of note for the day was seen on the way out of River Lakes Conservation Area. Along the dirt egress road perhaps half way out to the exit of the wetlands, a small stream falls over a three foot rock ledge. I often refer to this as the Niagara of East Florida. You just don’t see cascades or little plunge pools here in this flat state, but here it is and here it attracts birds in search of a quick bite. The bird we often see here which is always a treat to see it the Limpkin. While being widely seen throughout the Tropics, it only enters the US in Florida and Southern Georgia. It feeds primarily on Apple snails and mussels but will also take frogs, worms, insects, or lizards. Any birder from outside of Florida certainly has this bird on his or her target list!

By day’s end, we had accumulated a little over 35 species including the Black-necked stilt, Eastern meadowlark, Least bittern, our Caracara and many more beautiful birds. Seeing Spring arriving with the courting activities of birds like the Boat-tailed grackles, Great blue herons and Snowy egrets was an added treat and something we will be looking forward to in the next couple of months.